Can you believe that it’s almost time for another new year? No matter how you might feel about the swift passage of time (at least it seems incredibly swift to me), you’ve got to love these vintage New Year cards. Unlike vintage Christmas cards, which have pretty predictable themes; the subjects portrayed on these New Year’s cards vary widely. In addition to the expected champagne, clocks, and good-luck four-leaf clovers and horseshoes; there are cats, angels, pansies, birds, country scenes, blue Delft tiles and even an elf or two.

In the old days, illustrations similar to these would be used on top of calendars that were given away as advertising specialties by a variety of companies. A lot of work went into the ornate art that would only last a year. These types of art have become known as “ephemera,” which means short-lived. I guess today’s modern equivalent would be photo calendars, which are much easier to make every year, but seldom have the same flair as these antique beauties.

I hope you enjoy these vintage New Year’s cards and that they brighten up your transition to the new year!

Click one of the cards below to view and download a larger version (enlarged sizes vary):